White House says Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs coming Saturday

WASHINGTON – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says U.S. President Donald Trump will implement 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports on Saturday.

Leavitt is denying a news report that suggests the devastating duties might be delayed until March.

She says Mexico and Canada will face 25 per cent tariffs and China will see an additional 10 per cent tariff, and is linking the duties to fentanyl entering the United States.

Leavitt did not say whether there will be exemptions after Trump said Thursday he was still considering whether oil would be affected.

Earlier Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada is ready to deliver a “purposeful, forceful but reasonable immediate” response.

He also cautioned that Canada could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 31, 2025.

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